Naoya Inoue, the undisputed super bantamweight champion, is set to defend his title against Ramon Cardenas on May 4th in Las Vegas. While Inoue (29-0, 26 KOs) is well-deserving of admiration for his achievements, the matchup against Cardenas (26-1, 14 KOs) feels more like a tactical maneuver than a valid challenge. With Cardenas being relatively unknown in the boxing world, particularly in the United States, the choice of opponent raises several eyebrows. A fighter who hasn’t faced formidable opposition will struggle to generate excitement, and this fight threatens to be just another forgettable clash in Inoue’s record.
The boxing community is all too familiar with the phenomenon of “stay-busy fights,” often seen as defenses of titles against less notable opponents. While these matches may serve a purpose for maintaining a champion’s fighting rhythm, they can also lead to dissatisfaction among fans, who are yearning for electrifying bouts against legitimate contenders. The general sentiment is that boxing has for too long been inundated with mismatches, and sadly, this fight could easily fall into that category.
Inoue’s True Potential: Waiting in the Wings
The frustrations intensify when one considers that Inoue will subsequently face Murodjon Akhmadaliev on September 14th in Tokyo. While this matchup could be more significant, there is a question mark over why Inoue is waiting to meet Akhmadaliev, a strong contender, when fans are eager to see that fight unfold immediately. Akhmadaliev has established himself as a legitimate force in the super bantamweight division, and the anticipation surrounding their duel could capture a wider audience, particularly given that both fighters possess knockout power.
One can’t help but wonder about Inoue’s co-promoters at Top Rank and how they perceive the situation. They have invested significant resources in promoting Inoue yet may also realize the risks associated with allowing their fighter to coast through low-stakes bouts. Boxing thrives on rivalries and high-stakes confrontations, and keeping Inoue away from the likes of Akhmadaliev or even other fighters such as Gervonta Davis or Shakur Stevenson could stymie his recognition and marketability outside Japan.
A Career Built on Caution
Inoue’s undefeated record may look impressive, but it raises a fundamental concern about the quality of competition that has enabled him to reach this point. His best win arguably came against a past-his-prime Nonito Donaire. This trend exposes a larger issue within the boxing community, wherein fighters concentrate on grooming pristine records over confronting high-caliber opponents. Cardenas, while a capable boxer, hardly fits the bill that fans expect from a global champion.
If Inoue aims for long-term legacy and recognition, he must confront the real threats in the ring rather than accumulating wins against less-competitive foes. Fans are clamoring for a potent featherweight legacy, and Inoue’s possible future moves into the 126 and 130-pound divisions signify an exciting new chapter. However, that chapter can only begin if the champion takes bold, decisive steps and casts aside the safety net of inadequate opposition. The time for avoiding the risk of defeat is over; the future greatness of Inoue rests on embracing the challenges that lie ahead.